The social work program is a partnership of St. Catherine University and the University of St. Thomas.

Your spark of idealism, belief in social justice and love of working with people, together with a degree from our accredited social work program, will prepare you for one of the fastest growing careers of the future. At St. Kate’s-St. Thomas, you’ll acquire professional knowledge, values and skills that will empower you for a challenging and rewarding career in social work.

St. Kate’s-St. Thomas’ social work major prepares students for work in a wide range of settings. Recent graduates have been hired in such diverse places as hospitals, community centers, human services departments, public schools, women’s shelters, nursing homes and mental health centers. Other graduates find work in private industry, group homes, state and local government, chemical dependency programs, programs for the elderly, and privately supported family and children’s agencies, to name a few.

The curriculum is rooted in a philosophy of social responsibility and respect for individuals’ rights. Drawing from the Judeo-Christian traditions of social caring, we prepare students to use social work knowledge, values and skills to demonstrate the intrinsic value of all humankind as they serve those in need and promote social justice and human rights. Rooted in educational justice and community engagement, our program prepares generalist social workers committed to professional ethics and values, service, social justice and human rights. Our comprehensive program integrates theory, research, field and personal growth components. Social work majors also take courses in human biology, introduction to sociology, general psychology and lifespan developmental psychology.

Courses in the social work major will prepare students for generalist social work practice and for graduate study. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the baccalaureate level and qualifies graduates to take the examination for licensure at the licensed social worker (LSW) level.

Majors will expand their knowledge of social work beyond the boundaries of the classroom by completing two field education placements. During their junior and senior years, students will complete 600 hours of field practice experience (200 hours as Juniors, 400 hours as Seniors), engaging them in hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of settings.

We have developed strong agency partners and guide students through the process of interviewing and placement with these agencies. Field placements include opportunities such as case management, shelter advocacy, supervised visitation, community education and organizing, school social work, medical social work, research and grant writing, and county social work.

The School of Social Work includes 30 St. Kate's and St. Thomas faculty who are known for their teaching excellence and scholarship and are eager to lend their expertise concerning academic and professional issues. Our faculty members hold leadership positions in local, regional and national professional organizations and have expertise in areas such as medical social work, school social work, social policy, child welfare, AIDS and international social work. Your professors will enthusiastically challenge you and encourage you to reach your full potential.

Field placements complement the academic work through integration of theory and practice. With this exceptional hands-on practice experience and meaningful course work, the vast majority of our social work graduates secure positions in their field within six months of graduation.

The School of Social Work includes 30 St. Kate’s and St. Thomas faculty who are recognized for their teaching excellence and scholarship and are eager to lend their expertise concerning academic and professional issues. Our faculty members hold leadership positions in local, regional and national professional organizations and have expertise in areas such as medical social work, school social work, social policy, child welfare, AIDS and international social work. Our professors will enthusiastically challenge students and encourage them to reach their full potential.

The School of Social Work is recognized as a national leader for its strong commitment to social justice. Social Work for Social Justice: Ten Principles, developed by the program and used in the baccalaureate and graduate programs, have been adopted by programs across the country. The social work program also has an active Social Work Club and Honor Society, Phi Alpha.

The social work program requires students to be formally admitted to the major. This process takes place in February of the junior year. Prospective majors must have a grade point average of 2.25 and must be interviewed by the School of Social Work faculty.

There are three social work minors available to all majors: Social Welfare, Chemical Dependency Counseling: Addiction and Recovery, and Social Services Management. These minors are not accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and do not qualify graduates to sit for the Minnesota Board of Social Work examination for State of Minnesota licensure at the licensed social worker level.

The program described below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the baccalaureate level and qualifies graduates to take the Minnesota Board of Social Work examination for State of Minnesota licensure at the licensed social worker level.

Social Work Honor Society

Beta Epsilon, the campus chapter of Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society, was established at the University of St. Thomas and St. Catherine University in 2002. The purpose of this organization is to advance excellence in social work practice and to encourage, stimulate and maintain scholarship of the individual members.

As a social work major, you are eligible for membership after achieving a junior or senior standing, earning a minimum of six semester hours or equivalent in social work, achieving an overall grade point average of 3.25 or above, and a social work grade point average of 3.50 or above.

International Study

As a social work student you will have an opportunity to study in Mexico in the spring semester of your junior year. This semester-long program will enable you to take all required social work courses as well as study Spanish.

Field placements, arranged by the School of Social Work, provide hands-on practice experience in social work agencies, institutions, and/or departments to complement your academic work through integration of theory and practice.

Junior year:

Two semesters of approximately eight to ten hours per week off campus in a field agency setting totaling 200 hours, plus a weekly seminar course on campus. As a social work student contact your social work adviser or program director during the second semester of sophomore year to discuss the placement process.

Senior year:

Two semesters of approximately 12-16 hours per week off campus in a field agency setting totaling 400 hours, plus bi-weekly seminar course on campus.

Elective courses

Electives are updated frequently. Visit www.stthomas.edu/socialwork/undergraduate/curriculum/default.html for a current list of electives.

If two courses are listed, the first course is the St. Thomas course, the second is the St. Catherine course.A 'C' after the course number indicates a St. Catherine course.

CHDC 300/CDC 3000 Chemical Dependency Assessment & Intervention (4 credits)CHDC 305/CDC 3050 Chemical Dependency: Families & Cultural Diversity (4 credits)IDSC 291/INDI 2910 The Anatomy of Violence (4 credits)IDSC 293/INDI 2940 Grief, Loss and Coping (4 credits)INDI 499C Multi-Professional Community Work and Learning Semester Abroad – Cuernavaca, MexicoSOWK 2100C Relationships, Intimacy and Sexuality (4 credits)SOWK 390 Faith, Social Transformation and Social Work (4 credits)*SOWK 434 Practice with Military Service Members, Veterans and their Families (4 credits)SOWK 441 Family Resiliency and Diversity: Immigrant/Refugee (4 credits)SOWK 423 Practice with Older Adults and their Families (4 credits)SOWK 490 Topics: Child WelfareSOWK 299C Social Justice: Social Development International*Crosslisted with THEO 397 which fulfills the 300 level theology course requirement at the University of St. Thomas. You must register for the course as THEO 397 in order to get THEO credit.

Admission Process

The School of Social Work requires you to be formally admitted to the major. This process takes place at the middle of the junior year. As a prospective major, you must have a GPA of 2.25 and be interviewed by faculty of the school. Contact your adviser for more details.

Minor in Social Welfare

A minor in social welfare is available through the joint School of Social Work at St. Catherine University and the University of St. Thomas. A minor in social welfare is not accepted by the Council on Social Work Education as preparation for beginning-level generalist social work practice. A minor is offered for your own learning in the area of social welfare.

(The C designation following a course number indicates the course is offered at St. Catherine University; the T designation indicates that the course is offered at the University of St. Thomas.)

Minor in Social Services Management

The ability to administer programs, raise funds, and write grants is increasingly important in social service and nonprofit work. The purpose of this minor is to prepare students for administrative, management, or fundraising roles with nonprofits and social service agencies. Students will be introduced to social work and social services, gain an understanding of the impact of social policies on the provision and scope of social services in the United States as well as gain tangible skills, such as fundraising, grant writing, management, program evaluation, and accounting or marketing, for work in social services managemement. Students will learn critical leadership skills necessary for effective management. Upon completion of the minor, students will have enhanced skills that will help to position them to be successful advocates, administrators, and managers within social service and nonprofit agencies.

Minor Objectives

Gain a broad understanding of social work and social services in the United States

Understand the impact of social policies and government programs on the scope of and provision of social services in the United States

Develop marketable skills in fundraising, grant writing, leadership, evaluation, and development for nonprofit agencies and programs

Build a strong core of business skills, knowledge, and management ethics that will enhance students’ work in social service and nonprofit agencies

Required Courses:ACCT 210 Intro to Financial Accounting (4 credits)BUSN 200 Business Learning Through Service (0 credit)MGMT 305 Management and Organizational Behavior (4 credits)MKTG 300 Principles of Marketing (4 credits)SOWK 281 Introduction to Social Work (4 credits)SOWK 391 Social Policy fo Social Change (4 credits)SOWK 430 Development and Fundraising for Social Service Agencies

(The presence of a C following a course number indicates the course is offered only at St. Catherine University; the T designation indicates that the course is offered only at the University of St. Thomas.)

Minor in Chemical Dependency: Addiction and recovery

This minor provides students preparing for work in a variety of settings (social work, health care, criminal justice, etc.) with a foundational understanding of addiction and recovery and their impact on multiple areas of life, how to identify abuse and addiction, beginning steps in assisting, advocating for, and referring people who have chemical health concerns. This minor is a part of the preparation for Minnesota's Alcohol and Drug Counselor Licensure.

Minor Objectives

Understand addiction and recovery and their impact on multiple areas of life.

Understand the interdisciplinary approach to addiction and recovery counseling.

Pharmacology of substance abuse disorders and the dynamics of addiction including co-occurring disorders.

Screening, intake, assessment, and treatment planning

Understand and apply counseling theory and practice, models of treatment, and crisis intervention.

Pursuing the License Drug and Addiction Counseling (LADC):Students who are interested in pursuing licensure through the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor application and exam process may have some additional requirements. These requirements can be met during or post completion of the undergraduate degree but must be taken at an accredited institution and be displayed on a transcript. Eligibility for the LADC requires 18 credits of course work plus 880 hours of practicum. A stipulation of the LADC is that the 18 credits required for the exam cannot be acquired from the practicum (CDC 355 & 425). Students interested in the LADC must take an additional 4 credits beyond the 18 offered in the minor to sit for the exam. It is an additional 4 credits because the LADC also requires the practicum. See the Minor and LADC course chart for potential course options.

This course provides the student with an introduction to the philosophy of addiction treatment and an overview of the addiction process, prevention, treatment and recovery. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed for holistic practice with clients dealing with a variety of addictions. Students will gain understanding of the trans-disciplinary nature of addiction treatment. Students examine various biological, psychological, environmental and socio-cultural theories of what contributes to addiction. Students also gain understanding and skills for addiction screening, assessment, and intervention as well as an introduction to the range of services that are available regarding addiction and recovery.

This course is designed to educate students in the provision of alcohol and drug counseling to clients, family members and others who are directly affected by someone using alcohol or other drugs. The course will explore the relationship between addiction and the systems of the family and other cultures. Special attention will be paid to identifying typical long-term responses within various family members and cultural influences on the development and maintenance of addiction. This course is based on an interdisciplinary model of practice. This model incorporates sociological perspectives, cognitive, health and addiction theories. Spirituality in working with addictions is a specific focus, as well as treatment, intervention and the role of the professional in addiction treatment and recovery.

Students will participate in a practicum with a community agency working with people experience and/or impacted by addiction and recovery. Students will observe, shadow, and gain beginning practical experience in the procedures that the agency uses to screen, intake, and orient clients to services under the supervision of an agency staff person. Students will also attend a seminar during which they will engage in assignments and activities that connect their practice experience with theory and skills as well as professional consultation.

Students will participate in a practicum with a community agency working with people experience and/or impacted by addiction and recovery. Students will observe, shadow, and gain beginning practical experience in the procedures that the agency uses to screen, intake, and orient clients to services under the supervision of an agency staff person. Students will also attend a seminar during which they will engage in assignments and activities that connect their practice experience with theory and skills as well as professional consultation. (This course is a continuation of Addiction and Recovery: Practicum & Seminar I) Prerequisites: CHDC 355

Students examine the therapeutic interventions developed for the treatment of addictions and their efficacy on the treatment of concurrent addictive behavior patterns and other mental illnesses. Special attention is focused on personality, mood, and anxiety disorders, and the following potential addictive behavior patterns: gambling, sexual activity, and eating. Students will gain an overview of the basics of pharmacology as applied to various classifications of mood altering chemicals. This will include examination of the interactions between the central nervous systems/ neurotransmitters and drugs/ alcohol, detoxification, withdrawal, pharmaceutical drug interaction and the dynamics of addiction. prerequisites: CHDC 300 and 305, PSYC 101

This course addresses three major areas: exploring values and societal influence on relationships, intimacy and sexuality – the influence of culture, religion, family and friends; understanding self-worth, communication patterns and the effect of family and other significant relationships on the development of one’s needs/wants in relationships, intimacy and sexuality; discovering the basic attributes, purposes and powers of significant relationships, intimacy and sexuality. Participation in a structured small-group discussion is required. Open to non-majors.
SOWK 210/2100 is the same course as SOWK 2100/210 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.

This course introduces the student to the profession of social work within the context of the social welfare system. It provides an overview of an integrative approach to generalist social work practice which emphasizes intervention on individual, community and societal levels. Special emphasis is placed on values, human diversity, social justice and social work fields of practice.
SOWK 281/281C is the same course as SOWK 2810 at St. Catherine University

The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule

The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule

The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule
* Only offered at UST

The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule
* Only offered at UST

The primary focus of this course is to investigate how humans interact with their social environments. This is a theory-heavy course focusing on metacognition- training students to think about the way we think. The course provides students with knowledge of theories of the social environments and how they impact, as well as are impacted, by human behavior. Further, theories on human behavior are examined through the multidimensional framework constituting biological, psychological, spiritual, socio-cultural, political, and economic factors. Emphasis is on the role of and interaction between these multiple factors at the level of various systems: the individual, family, small group, organization, community, and society, including political and economic systems. The course consists of five modules: interpersonal relations and empowerment; social systems; political and economic systems; justice; and multiculturalism. The course investigates the multiple dimensions and intersections of diversity including gender, race/ethnicity, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation, nationality, and global and international perspectives. Students leave the class with a holistic understanding of the human experience within the environments that surround them.
Prerequisite or concurrent registration: SOWK 281/2810; Prerequisites: SOCI 100, PSYC 202/2025; BIOL 105/106/1120 or consent of the program director.
SOWK 340/3400 is the same course as SOWK 3400/340 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.

This course is the first of a four-course practice sequence. The primary focus is on communication theory and skills as applied to social work with individuals, families, small groups, communities and organizations. There is an emphasis on self-awareness, beginning assessment skills and diversity issues. An integrative approach to generalist social work practice provides the context for intervention on individual, environmental and societal levels.
SOWK 355/3550 is taken with SOWK 375/3750 (or 378/3780) in the fall for day students. EWO students take SOWK 3550 in the fall and SOWK 3780 in the spring.
Prerequisites or concurrent registration with: SOWK 281/2810 and SOWK 340/3400 or by consent of the program director.
SOWK 355/3550 is the same course as SOWK 3550/355 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.

Junior Fieldwork complements your academic work through practical experience in a social work agency, institution or department. Under the supervision of an agency field instructor, the student learns beginning social work tasks and functions while applying theory to actual social work situations. Students participate in an on-campus seminar with other junior social work majors while in placement. The placement is 10–12 hours per week throughout two consecutive terms (fall and spring semesters) for day social work students. SOWK 3780/SOWK 378 (4 credits) is designed for day students taking a semester abroad in their junior year and for EWO students. It combines SOWK 3750/375 and SOWK 3760/376 into a single semester. Day students must consult with the department chair before registering for this course.
Prerequisites: SOWK 3750/375 must be taken before SOWK 3760/376.
Prerequisites with concurrency: For SOWK 3750/375: SOWK 2810/281 & SOWK 3400/340.
SOWK 375/3750 is the same course as SOWK 3750/375 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas

Junior Fieldwork complements your academic work through practical experience in a social work agency, institution or department. Under the supervision of an agency field instructor, the student learns beginning social work tasks and functions while applying theory to actual social work situations. Students participate in an on-campus seminar with other junior social work majors while in placement. The placement is 10–12 hours per week throughout two consecutive terms (fall and spring semesters) for day social work students. SOWK 3780/SOWK 378 (4 credits) is designed for day students taking a semester abroad in their junior year and for EWO students. It combines SOWK 3750/375 and SOWK 3760/376 into a single semester. Day students must consult with the department chair before registering for this course.
Prerequisites: SOWK 3750/375 must be taken before SOWK 3760/376.
Prerequisites with concurrency: For SOWK 3750/375: SOWK 2810/281 & SOWK 3400/340.
SOWK 375/3750 is the same course as SOWK 375/3750 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas

Junior Fieldwork complements your academic work through practical experience in a social work agency, institution or department. Under the supervision of an agency field instructor, the student learns beginning social work tasks and functions while applying theory to actual social work situations. Students participate in an on-campus seminar with other junior social work majors while in placement. The placement is 12-16 hours per week over one term. EWO students take SOWK 3780 (4 credits) in the spring of their Junior year. Day students are only eligible for SOWK 3780/378 if they are taking a semester abroad in their junior year and can register in the fall or the spring. It combines SOWK 3750/375 and SOWK 3760/376 into a single semester. Day students must consult with the department chair before registering for this course.
Prerequisites with concurrency: For SOWK 3780/378: SOWK 2810/281 & SOWK 3400/340.
SOWK 378/3780 is the same course as SOWK 3780/378 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.

This course fosters competence in the research skills needed for generalist social work practice. Students will gain knowledge in the steps of conducting research; practice evaluation; conducting research with vulnerable participants; locating and critically evaluating relevant research to inform practice; and evidence-based practice. They will learn values of ethical research practice, using the Belmont Report and the NASW Code of Ethics as guidelines. Particular emphasis is placed on protecting vulnerable research participants. Students will also gain skills in writing and presenting a literature review, developing a research proposal, and applying relevant research to practice.
Prerequisites: SOWK 281/2810 and junior status or consent of the program director.
SOWK 380/3800 is the same course as SOWK 3800/380 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.

This course is the second of the four-course practice sequence. The primary focus of the course is on the study of human behavior in groups with emphasis on the use of groups in generalist social work practice to accomplish individual, family, organizational and/or community goals. This course provides experiential learning opportunities to integrate knowledge, values, and skills as both a group leader and a group member. The effects of diversity on group interaction are stressed. SOWK 385/3850 is taken with 376/3760 for day students or 378/3780 for EWO students in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: SOWK 355/3550 or consent of the Program Director.
SOWK 385/3850 is the same course as SOWK 3850/385 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.

This course equips students to understand and critically analyze current and past social policies. Policy alternatives are explored with a focus on the values and attitudes as well as the societal, economic and political dynamics from which they originate. Roles and responsibilities of citizens and professionals in formulating and implementing policies responsive to actual social needs are addressed.
Prerequisite: SOWK 281/2810 or consent of the Program Director
SOWK 391/3910 is the same course as SOWK 3910/391 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.

This is the third course in the four-part practice sequence. This course prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families and groups in the context of their social environments with emphasis on aspects of diversity. A primary focus is the application of social work knowledge through increased development of skills. The overall goal of the course is integration and application of the stages of the generalist social work method. SOWK 401/4010 is taken with 405/4050 in the fall by seniors.
Prerequisites: SOWK 355/3550 and SOWK 385/3850.
SOWK 401/4010 is the same course as SOWK 4010/401 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.

This course is a continuation of SOWK 401/4010 and the final of four courses in the practice sequence of the social work curriculum. The focus is on prevention/intervention methods based on generalist social work knowledge that can be applied to client systems of all sizes. A special emphasis is placed on effecting planned change in groups, organizations, communities, and national and global society toward the pursuit of social justice. A combination of lecture, discussion, experiential learning, and small group activities provides students with knowledge and skills for client advocacy and social change. SOWK 402/4020 is taken with 406/4060 in the spring semester. Prerequisites: SOWK 401/4010.
SOWK 402/4020 is the same course as SOWK 4020/402 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.

Senior Fieldwork complements the student’s academic work through practical experiences in a social work agency, institution or department. Under the supervision of an agency field instructor, the student learns social work tasks and functions while applying theory to actual social work situations. Students participate in an on-campus seminar with other senior social work majors while in placement. The placement is approximately 15-20 hours per week throughout two consecutive terms (fall and spring semesters). Concurrent registration in SOWK 401/4010 is required.
SOWK 4050C/405T is the fall course.
SOWK 405/4050 is the same course as SOWK 4050/405 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.

See description for SOWK 405. SOWK 4060C/406T is the spring course.
Concurrent registration in SOWK 402/4020 is required.
SOWK 406/4060 is the same course as SOWK 4060/406 at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.

This course provides an introduction to, and overview of social work knowledge, skills, and values for working with older adults and their families. Content includes an examination of theories such as: “activity theory”, “substitution theory”, “continuity theory”, “labeling theory”, “transpersonal theories”, and the “transition model” as well as the “strengths perspective and empowerment principles” as they apply to an elderly population. Students are expected to examine their own and societal attitudes about aging, risk factors of aging, the nature and limitations of gerontological social work, forces shaping the delivery system, major bio-psychological and spiritual dimensions in practice, and differential models of intervention.
*Only offered at St. Thomas

The purpose of this class is to provide students with an overview of key elements of supporting and expanding social service programs in nonprofit and public agencies. Topics covered include nonprofit governance and administrative structures, fundraising, program design and development, philanthropy, supervision of paid staff and volunteers, and grant-writing and program evaluation. An emphasis will be placed on linking agency work and agency mission. The course will emphasize application and synthesis of course concepts through community-based projects.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing

This course provides an introduction to and overview of military social work knowledge, skills, and values for working with service members, veterans, and their families at the foundation level. Content includes an examination of topics relevant to a foundation in military social work practice such as military culture, at-risk populations, as well as risk and resilience among deployed service members and their families. Students are expected to examine their own and societal attitudes about social work with military-impacted populations. Students will demonstrate competency through integrative, multi-level applications grounded in literature, current initiatives and resources for military-impacted populations, and current research and policy.
*Only offered at St. Thomas

This course presents the family resilience framework as a foundational context for working with diverse populations, focusing on strengths and adaptive capacity. Specifically, this course explores critical issues, theory and skills related to social work practice with immigrants and refugees. Consideration is given to the macro context of immigration including related policy responses. Key factors in resettlement and transition, such as migration trauma, the social work delivery system, and the role of the social worker with clients, communities and organization will be addressed.

The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule

The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule

The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule

The subject matter of these courses will vary from year to year, but will not duplicate existing courses. Descriptions of these courses are available in the Searchable Class Schedule on Murphy Online, View Searchable Class Schedule